In the realm of Work 4.0, the call for new collaboration methods is echoed by thought leaders like Frederic Laloux, prompting organizational developers to embrace innovative approaches. While this may seem groundbreaking for many companies, the principles of participation and dialogue, essential for the evolving world of work, have long been integral in the political and public spheres. Participation entails engaging individuals in decision-making processes, ranging from information sharing to co-determination and autonomous self-direction.

The concept of participation gained traction in the political and public discourse in Germany around the 1990s, underpinning initiatives such as citizen participation, round tables, and future conferences. Fueled by the pursuit of sustainability and the quest for solutions to ensure a positive future, cross-organizational dialogues “at eye level” among stakeholders from economic, social, and environmental sectors became imperative. For some, participation has evolved into a strategy for planetary preservation.

However, translating the theoretical notion of involving “everyone needed for a good solution” into practical application remains a challenge. What does effective participation entail? How can a vibrant culture of dialogue be fostered, moving beyond mere symbolism and staged interactions?

This seminar invited participants on a virtual excursion into the world of dialogue and participation within the public sphere. The aim is to unearth valuable insights that can be applied to transformative work in organizations and cross-organizational teams. For more information, visit www.coachinghapps.de.